by Doug Hartill | Nov 25, 2019 | Recipes, Sauces
Today we are going to be taking a look at a KILLER Spicy Marinara Sauce. Nothing says Italian Cuisine more than a classic tomato marinara sauce. Nowadays we are saving time by opening those bottled or canned marinara sauces at the cost of flavor. Who makes the best spicy marinara sauce? I have to say that the best marinara sauce is the one you slow cook at home!
Most American’s have no idea what true, homemade marinara sauce tastes like. So let me be your genuine Italian Guido and fix that. NEVER EVER buy canned marinara sauce again. It’s expensive, you lose flavor and nutrients, and this one tastes much much better.
Sure it will add some time to your day, but YOLO right? Why waste your life with crappy marinara sauce?
Now this recipe is going to take some time, so buckle up partner, I never said it would be easy, I just said that it would be worth it.
Check out our Rattlesnake Bites Copycat Recipe to pair with this marinara.
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Killer Marinara Sauce
A classic tomato sauce with a spicy kick that is not overpowering. This will be an instant classic in your home and can be made in large batches and saved for later.
Instructions
Take your tomatoes and steam them for 10-15 minutes. This is to release the skin from the tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes and set aside.
Heat up the oil and saute the onion for about 5-6 minutes on medium heat. Add the Basil, Garlic, and Spices and add the tomatoes one by one smashing them with a potato masher or your hands, whichever you prefer.
Let the pot simmer for as long as you can let it simmer. Normally, this is about an hour so that all the flavors can marry.
by Doug Hartill | Nov 23, 2019 | Main Courses, Recipes
Today, we are going to take a look at an amazing recipe for my favorite pasta dish, the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Alfredo Pasta from The Cheesecake Factory. This thing is loaded with flavor (and calories) so keep that in mind. It is super simple to prepare, even though there seem to be a lot of moving parts, it all comes together in the end. It is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet and savory.
Introduction to The Cheesecake Factory
If you have never been to The Cheesecake Factory, you are definitely missing out. The huge menu is rather intimidating at first, but you soon realize that most of the menu is Cheesecake. I think that is why the Cheesecake Factory is so well-liked. No matter what everyone is craving, there is something for everyone. From Cuban Sandwiches to Asian Salads, to Burritos there is something for even the pickiest of eaters.
What is the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta from The Cheesecake Factory?
Made using Penne Pasta, the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta has Chicken breast sauteed in honey. The sauce is a unique sauce made from Alfredo and Chipotle peppers in Adobo Sauce. This gives it a beautiful mild kick that you crave as well as a deep smokey flavor. The sweetness of the honey combined with the spice of the sauce makes an amazing dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Make sure to check out how to make the Salad Dressing from the Olive Garden or how to make a Cuban Classic, Picadillo, which is a cheap and flavorful addition to your families dinner rotation.
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Spicy Chicken Chipotle Alfredo Pasta
A spicy chicken pasta with chipotle flavors with a sweet undertone. A sure crowd pleaser.
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables and Pasta
Add the asparagus to the pasta water and boil for 2-3 minutes or until slightly tender.
Pull out the asparagus and run under cold water to shock it and stop it from cooking.
Add your pasta to the water and remove when al-dente, normally 12-13 minutes rolling boil.
Combine lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chicken and let it marinade.
Prepare your skillet with butter on medium heat.
Add bell peppers and onions.
Leave on the heat until translucent, stirring occasionally to make sure they do not char, then add the garlic cloves, saute for 1 minute.
Cook Chicken and Serve
Remove the veggies and add olive oil to your skillet
Add chicken to the pan and turn the heat up to medum-high.
Keep on the heat until browned on all sides.
Add in the honey and stir until the honey loosens up.
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Puree the Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can and set aside.
Brown the chicken on both sides and remove from heat.
Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then add all other ingredients (Veggies, Adobo, Pasta)
Make a basic Alfredo sauce (Butter, Parmesan, Heavy Cream, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder) and add in the Pureed chipotle peppers. Let it come to a simmer. Add your frozen peas to thaw in the sauce.
Add sauce, pasta, chicken in your pot adding the asparagus last or as a garnish. Add Cilantro or parsley and grated Parmesan as a topper. Tortilla strips if you want to be really authentic.
by Doug Hartill | Feb 20, 2019 | Recipes, Sauces
Lime Cilantro and Jalapeños. How can that be bad at all! This stuff is pure gold. It is a spicy and fresh sauce to put on any sandwich, salad, eggroll, jalapeño poppers, tacos, burritos, rice, beans, ice cream, brownies, or whatever your heart desires. (Don’t really put it on your ice cream or brownie, that’s weird. I know some of you will.)
It is super simple to make and can store in the refrigerator for several months.
This would go perfectly with the Rattlesnake Bites we made earlier.
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Lime Cilantro and Jalapeño Aioli
A spicy and tangy sauce that compliments any Tex-Mex meal.
Instructions
Combine it all in your blender and puree until it runs smooth.
Make sure to stick it in the Fridge for at least 3 hours for the ingredients to marry.
by Doug Hartill | Feb 4, 2019 | Recipes, Sauces
This one is a surprise for my wife. The Olive Garden’s Italian Salad Dressing is the only dressing she will have with her salads. She absolutely is a FREAK over this stuff. So when I came across the copycat recipe, I had to try it for myself and share it with you guys.
Hope you enjoy!
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The Olive Garden's Italian Salad Dressing
The Olive Garden's Italian Salad Dressing is an iconic dressing that is sure to please everyone. The rich and zesty flavors will keep you coming back for more.
Instructions
Thoroughly combine in a container of your choosing. Make sure to refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours.
by Doug Hartill | Dec 28, 2018 | Recipes
Mojo Criollo is a staple in all Cuban households. It can be used for a variety of different things including to marinade your pork roast or used as a dipping sauce for your plantains or yuca. The strong garlic mixed with the sour citrus is a powerful and delicious combination.
This is another influence we can trace back to the Arabs into Spain. They brought the flavors of the Sour Orange with them. When Spain colonized Cuba, they brought with them that flavor. Once in Cuba, the Garlic was added.
Give it a try! You will not be disappointed.
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Mojo Criollo
Here we have a traditional Cuban dipping sauce and marinade. It is used in pretty much every Cuban dish and goes great as a dipping sauce for Plantains and Yuca.
Instructions
Peel and mash the garlic cloves using a garlic press and combine with all the other ingredients.
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